Movies: David J. Skal

Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-the scenes chronicle of the making of the 1998 Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser and Lynn Redgrave. Nar...

The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon....

Beginning just before his debut as Frankenstein’s creation, this documentary compellingly explores the life and legacy of a cinema legend, presenting a perceptive history of the genre he personified. Karloff's films were long derided as hokum and att...

Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's characte...

A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre....

Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."...

Documentary about the real life inspiration behind "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," serial killer Ed Gein....

A look at the importance of dreams in relation to Wes Craven's successful A Nightmare on Elm Street horror franchise....

A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale....

Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set....

A documentary that explores man's enduring fascination with the vampire legend by examining historical accounts, literary works, and as they are portrayed in film and television....

A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi....

A&E Comprehensive biographies of five of the greatest classic stars of the horror genre. Features lots or archive footage from some the greatest horror films committed to celluloid....

Elvira hosts this humorous look at movie monsters and facts about the real animals on which they're based. Included: clips from films; and interviews with scientists and various showbiz types, including directors John Carpenter and John Landis, and a...

A tribute to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, featuring contemporary filmmakers, writers, performers, and cultural critics....

Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932)....

Narrator Rudy Behlmer guides a look through Universal's place in film history as a source of alien visitation, extraterrestrial life, and other Science Fiction staples. The piece further looks at the political and social implications, parallels, and ...

Actress and neice of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle, Carla Laemmle recounts the events that occured while filming Phantom of the Opera, The (1925). Not too much ground is covered here, although we do learn a few things about the creation of ...

As a famous man lies dying, his family—including both his wife and his mistress—gathers inside, while members of the media converge outside for news of his death in this filmed-for-television staging of Edward Albee's play....

A documentary from Universal about the movie Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein....